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Weslaco firefighters propose phased minimum‑staffing increases in bargaining talks
Summary
The Weslaco firefighters' association proposed phased minimum‑staffing increases — to 21 by Oct. 1, 2025, 23 by Oct. 2026 and 25 by 2027 — citing rising call volume, EMS demand and training/retention needs; the city said it will review capacity and a SAFER grant could accelerate hires.
The firefighters' association presented a new staffing article in collective‑bargaining talks with the city that would raise minimum personnel to 21 by Oct. 1, 2025, move to 23 by October 2026 and reach 25 by 2027.
Association presenters said the 2025 target would yield four engines, four ambulances and one incident commander on duty; they told the meeting the fourth engine would allow the department to respond to simultaneous calls and provide a second truck on scene when needed. “This fourth engine would allow us to respond to several calls at the same time and give us that second truck on scene,” the presenter said, explaining the safety rationale for larger engine staffing.
The association tied the timetable to the city's projected growth, the recently announced ISO 2 rating and rising EMS call volume. Officials noted the department handles many EMS calls and a county contract accounts for roughly 20% of call volume; one council member warned that inadequate ESD funding could force reconsideration of county service arrangements.
Staffing constraints are driven in part by recruitment and retention pressures: presenters said the department currently has four vacancies — “Those vacancies are all paramedics” — and that paramedics are being lost to other healthcare roles. The association also described the financial and training costs of hiring and replacing personnel, noting that outfitting a firefighter can cost several thousand dollars.
City officials and union representatives discussed funding pathways. The mayor said the city submitted a SAFER federal grant application for six firefighters and that an award could be announced in mid‑ to late October; both sides said grant funding could allow the city to meet targets earlier than the proposed schedule. The association also explored part‑time or mutual‑aid staffing options but cautioned that neighboring departments’ volunteer status and variable training limit mutual aid as a permanent solution.
No formal votes were taken. City staff said they will review the proposal, produce budgetary costings and return with a response at the next bargaining session, scheduled for Aug. 20. The meeting organizers said the staffing article and possible part‑time staffing options will be considered together in a future proposal.
